Large external shocks, including lower commodity prices and slowdown in key trading partners, including Russia and China, has weakened economic growth prospects and raised vulnerabilities in the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) Region. What are the challenges and policy trade-offs facing policy makers? What would be the appropriate fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policies? How are the banking sectors faring? Which structural reforms are essential for medium-term growth and job creation?

These and other topics will be discussed as part of the latest Regional Economic Outlook Report for the Caucasus and Central Asia that the International Monetary Fund has released.

What will a nuclear deal with Iran mean for Central Asia and the Caucasus? What is the potential and what are the risks? This program will consider the political, economic, and strategic dimensions of these questions against the background of Iran's past and present relations with these vital regions.